NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 13: Javon McKinley, Aaron Hansford, Rico Bussey, Dwayne Johnson Jr., Olakunle Fatukasi

San Diego State safety Dwayne Johnson Jr. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects who we are keeping an eye on. 

Javon McKinley, WR, Notre Dame
On Saturday against Syracuse, fifth-year wide receiver Javon McKinley found the end zone, not just for the first time this season but for the first three times, en route to his fifth-consecutive game with five-plus receptions, hauling in seven catches for 111 yards. The Southern California native – who was a highly acclaimed recruit coming out of Centennial High School – is having the most productive season of his career, recording four 100-yard games this season (Chase Claypool, for context, had three such outings last year for the Irish). With prototypical X-receiver size, McKinley has routinely displayed an ability to play big-boy football this year while coming down with a disproportionate amount of 50/50 balls. In addition to being a reliable target in the pass game, the 6-2, 215 pounder is one of the top blocking receivers in this year’s draft class, something that NFL coaches pay close attention to.

Aaron Hansford, LB, Texas A&M
To say that Texas A&M linebacker Aaron Hansford is fast would be an understatement. A member of his high school’s track team and the son of two track athletes, Hansford initially went to the Aggies as a wide receiver before making the transition to tight end. After two seasons derailed by injury, the Washington, D.C. product made the switch to defense and has been lighting up opposing offenses ever since. Saturday versus Auburn, Hansford lived in the backfield while recording a team-leading eight total tackles, including 1.5 for loss and one sack. With the Aggies on a six-game winning streak, look for Hansford’s stock to continue to soar as he becomes all the more comfortable in his role and utilizes his speed to menace the opposition.

Rico Bussey, WR, Hawaii
For the first time this season, wide receiver Rico Bussey found the endzone for the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in their Week 13 loss to San Jose State. Though the outcome for the team was disappointing, Bussey continues to show glimpses of what made him such a prolific receiver during his prior stint at North Texas, leading the Warriors on Saturday with eight receptions for 69 yards. At 6-2, 190 pounds, the Lawton, OK native is a true vertical threat with outstanding speed and ball skills who made a living in 2018 to the tune of 12 receiving touchdowns and more than 1,000 yards receiving. A knee injury cut short his 2019 campaign after five games but Bussey is remaining busy this year while looking to add to his touchdown total in the season finale vs UNLV.

Dwayne Johnson Jr., S, San Diego State
We highlighted San Diego State safety Dwayne Johnson Jr. in the fall when the Mountain West announced its return to play, and the hard-hitting, fifth-year senior has demonstrated why with his performance this season. This past week against Colorado State, the “Aztec” safety in SDSU’s 3-3-5 defense made his presence felt while recording six tackles and a quarterback hurry. Despite missing one game this season, the local Southern California product ranks second on the team in tackles (36) and pass breakups (3), but it’s his relentless pursuit of the football and omnipresent nature that make him so valuable as a football player. Built like a hybrid linebacker/safety, the 6-2, 215-pound Johnson is not shy coming downhill versus the run and is a physical force in the secondary that receivers need to know about when dropping into pass coverage. With a skillset that screams special teams captain for the next level, don’t be surprised if your favorite NFL team calls his name on Day 3 of the draft!

Olakunle Fatukasi, LB, Rutgers
Rutgers hasn’t had many primetime games this season, so it’s understandable if you’ve never heard of linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi. If you have watched a Scarlet Knights’ game, however, there’s no excuse. The second-year starting weakside linebacker is the leading tackler in the Big Ten Conference and on Saturday against Penn State, he had just another strong day at the office – 17 tackles, including one for loss, and a pass breakup, giving him a remarkable 92 tackles (10 for a loss) through just seven games. At his present rate, Fatukasi is on pace to challenge the prestigious conference’s all-time tackle mark and is a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, which is given annually to the nation’s best linebacker. With a frame built for speed and a reckless desire to run through ball carriers, the younger brother of Jets starting defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi is an ascending player everyone will soon know about.

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 12: Larry Rountree, Jacob Harris, Quintin Morris, Chauncey Golston, Kuony Deng

Missouri running back Larry Rountree III (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects that we are keeping an eye on.

Larry Rountree, RB, Missouri
It has been an incredible season for Missouri senior running back Larry Rountree, who had his best performance of the year thus far in rushing for 160 yards and three touchdowns against Vanderbilt. The previous week, Rountree set the school’s all-time rushing record by a running back (3,398 rushing yards and counting). The team captain wore down the Commodores defense with his trademark hard-nosed running style, breaking tackles and ripping off several big runs; he now has 18 runs of 25+ yards for his career. Rountree possesses a well-built frame and owns a proven resume, having accumulated 12 career 100-yard rushing performances, while playing in the SEC. He has done enough to warrant a mid-round draft grade.

Jacob Harris, WR, Central Florida
One player who has shown just enough flashes to remain a blip on the NFL radar is UCF wideout Jacob Harris. The senior playmaker has been playing in the shadows of some very talented receivers over the past few seasons but tends to deliver in the clutch with some big splash plays of his own. He is averaging more than 20 yards per reception for his career since transferring from Western Kentucky. This past week, Harris put on a career performance with five catches for 110 yards and three touchdowns. Earlier this season, he enjoyed a stretch where he scored in four consecutive games. Harris is extremely long and athletic, along with a frame that could eventually see him convert to tight end in the pros, much like Jacob Hollister of the Seahawks.

Quintin Morris, TE, Bowling Green
While Bowling Green has endured a winless season, the steady performance by tight end pass-catcher Quintin Morris has not been lost on NFL scouts. He has been the focal point of the Falcons offense and has 10 catches for 130 yards over the past two games. A three-year starter, Morris has established himself as an athletic, reliable target with 1,448 career receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. The Texas native has been utilized at both tight end and wide out spots, as he could have a role as an h-back type at the next level. Morris was also a basketball standout in high school, which contributes to his vertical game inside the red zone and makes for zest appeal as he transitions to the pros.

Chauncey Golston, DL, Iowa
Iowa senior defensive lineman Chauncey Golston is playing at a very high level, collecting at least four tackles in each of his past five games, with four sacks, one interception and a big bone-crushing hit that forced a fumble to help seal the deal on the Hawkeyes win over Nebraska this past week. The Detroit native does an outstanding job setting the edge with his length and physicality. Surprisingly, he was not heavily recruited coming out of high school, with Iowa being the lone FBS scholarship offer he received. However, Golston has been a steady, consistent performer as a three-year starter during his time in Iowa City. He owns some position flexibility, playing primarily at defensive end but could project as an interior player at the next level.

Kuony Deng, LB, California
California senior linebacker Kuony Deng continues to rack up tackles due to his bee-swarm mentality. Deng registered 14 tackles this past week against Stanford, flashing a lethal combination of size, range and athleticism. In addition, he tends to get his hands on a lot of batted balls. The Virginia native, whose family immigrated from South Sudan, began his career at Virginia Military Institute, where he played both football and basketball. He would then spend a season at Independence CC, before finding his way in Berkley. After registering 120 tackles a year ago, Deng is off to another hot start that has not gone unnoticed by NFL scouts. Look for him to gain serious momentum, as we work our way through the draft season.

*Be sure to catch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college recruiting Dane Vandernat this Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. ET on ‘The State of Football’ show live on @NFLDraftBible!

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Alum Kendall Hinton Answers Call at QB For Broncos

Denver’s Kendall Hinton became the first non-quarterback to start at the position since 1965. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

After successfully switching from quarterback to wide receiver during his senior season at Wake Forest, Kendall Hinton thought he was done playing under center — and he was OK with that.

But in 2020, all bets are off.

When the Denver Broncos had all four of their quarterbacks placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in a matter of hours on Saturday evening, Hinton received an unprecedented promotion — from practice-squad receiver to starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints.

“I can easily say it’s been the most eventful 24 hours of my life,” said Hinton, who played wide receiver in the 2020 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. “When I got the call, it was pure excitement. Of course there was nerves and disbelief, but the encouragement the team gave me…made it a lot easier for me.”

The build-up to Hinton becoming the first non-quarterback to start an NFL game at the position since 1965 was also eventful.

After turning heads during the Collegiate Bowl in January and signing with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in April, Hinton was part of the team’s final roster cuts just before the season in September. To pay the bills, Hinton worked in sports marketing and fundraising before the Broncos came calling again on Nov. 4 with a spot on the practice squad.

Every day thereafter, including Saturday, Hinton served as scout-team receiver and on special teams. With no time to practice following his emergency call-up to quarterback, the Demon Deacons alum crammed what he estimated as “one-tenth” or “about 20 to 30 plays” of the playbook in the short window leading up to Sunday. His first simulated passes came about an hour before kickoff.

Following four run plays to start the game, Hinton took over at quarterback for a third-and-3 situation. Even though his first pass fell incomplete; even though he completed just one of nine pass attempts for 13 yards to go with two interceptions; and even though this Hollywood script did not end in victory for Hinton and the Broncos — they fell 31-3 to the Saints — what the 23-year-old did gain was the respect of many across the league for navigating this impossible situation.

“I would not say this was how I had it planned out in my dreams. It usually doesn’t work out how you want it. So just getting this opportunity and this experience was amazing.” Hinton said to reporters afterward. “I honestly don’t feel like I played to the best of my ability. Of course, a day or two of practice could’ve helped.”

 

 

 

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 11: Dustin Crum, Justin Hall, Sadarius Huthcerson, Charles Snowden, Hunter Duplessis

South Carolina offensive guard Sadarius Hutcherson

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects that we are keeping an eye on.  

Dustin Crum, QB, Kent State
Kent State is off to a resounding start, led by quarterback Dustin Crum. The senior finished 22-of-25 for 348 passing yards, while gaining an additional 104 rushing yards and totaling five touchdowns during its trouncing of Akron. Crum showed tremendous poise in the pocket, great command and moxie, plus smart, decisive reactions. His accuracy through three games has been superb, connecting on 75% of his passes. Dating back to last season, Crum has totaled 4,334 yards over his past 16 games, while accounting for 38 touchdowns and just three interceptions, positioning himself to be one of the handful of senior signal-callers to hear his name called during draft weekend. The Golden Flashes are now 3-0 for the first time since 1955, thanks largely in part to the leadership and performance of Crum.

Justin Hall, WR, Ball State
The Ball State offense has been putting up points in bushels behind the efforts of wide out weapon Justin Hall, who is a threat to take it to the house any time he touches the ball. It’s no wonder why you see the team implement ways to utilize his breakaway speed by featuring him in the backfield, on end arounds, screens and bubbles, in order to create opportunities for him to make plays in open space. His leaping abilities and elusiveness have been well chronicled. A four-year starter, Hall has accumulated 3,383 total yards and 14 touchdowns in 39 career games. His ability to return both punts and kickoffs could make him an appealing option for sticking around on Sundays.

Sadarius Hutcherson, OL, South Carolina
While many of the South Carolina players have opted out of what has been a disappointing season, senior offensive guard Sadarius Hutcherson has gone on record that he will remain all in for the Gamecocks. Citing his leadership role on the team during an uncertain time in the program, which has included the firing of its head coach, Hutcherson continues to step up, which will not go unnoticed by NFL scouts. With 37 career starts under his belt, the Tennessee native boasts plenty of experience as a four-year starter in the SEC, including the past two seasons at left tackle. Hutcherson has also started at both guard spots, a position that he’ll probably play at the next level. Expect to hear his name called at some point during the draft weekend come April.

Charles Snowden, LB, Virginia
It was a somber moment for Virginia linebacker Charles Snowden, whose season ended prematurely due to an ankle injury this past Saturday, which will require surgery. Snowden had just begun rounding into form after being utilized more in a pass-rushing role and compiling six sacks over his previous three games. A team captain and three-year starter for the Cavaliers, Snowden possesses excellent size and athleticism. His versatility to get after the quarterback or drop back in coverage could lead teams to view his role differently at the next level. We hope for a speedy recovery for the Maryland native who has earned the respect of his coaches, teammates, fans and scouts alike.

Hunter Duplessis, K, UT-San Antonio
UTSA has won a handful of close games, including their most recent win over Southern Miss thanks to the leg of Hunter Duplessis, who has been Mr. Reliable. Duplessis has connected on 16-of-17 field goal attempts this year, including long-range conversions of 48, 49, 49 and 50 yards. The San Antonio native has had a consistent past two seasons that has now launched him into the NFL stratosphere. He has shown the ability to be an effective kickoff standout, while making 55 of his 56 career extra-point attempts. Don’t be surprised to see Duplessis in an NFL camp come August competing for a job.

*Be sure to catch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college recruiting Dane Vandernat this Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. ET on ‘The State of Football’ show live on @NFLDraftBible! 

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 10: Jake Bentley, Greg Bell, Ty Fryfogle, Zane Zandier, DeAngelo Malone

Indiana wide receiver Ty Fryfogle (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects that we are keeping an eye on. 

Jake Bentley, QB, Utah
Utah is slated to kick off its season this upcoming Saturday versus Southern Cal after COVID-created cancellations of their first two opponents. One player we’ll be keeping a curious eye on is transfer quarterback Jake Bentley, who was recently elected a Utes team captain. Despite the accolade, head coach Kyle Whittingham has refused to name a starter, stating that the team will announce its starting quarterback when the Utes march onto the field against the Trojans. A three-time team captain during his tenure at South Carolina, Bentley was a heralded recruit with a slingshot arm coming out of high school. He appeared in 34 games for the Gamecocks, demonstrating great smarts, instincts and leadership before succumbing to a season-ending Lisfranc injury during the first game of last season. Being anointed the starter this weekend would be a good jump-start for the one-time NFL prospect in order to help reboot his draft stock.

Greg Bell, RB, San Diego State
As the bell tolls for the undefeated Aztecs, running back Greg Bell enjoyed the best performance of his tumultuous collegiate career with 160 rushing yards against Hawaii. The senior has been a staple of consistency for San Diego State, becoming the first player in school history to surpass the 100-yard rushing barrier in each of his first four games—a remarkable feat considering that Bell went 25 months between carries coming into the season.
It’s been a winding road for the Cali native. After originally committing to San Diego State out of high school, he failed to qualify academically, re-routing him to Arizona Western for two seasons, where he rushed for more than 2,000 yards. From there, Bell would opt to transfer to Nebraska before leaving the team after two games to help deal with some family issues. Upon his return, while doing an exercise that involved a band strapped to the top of a bar, Bell was injured when the band accidentally snapped and struck him in the eye. That surgery and injury nearly cost him the vision in his right eye and prevented him from playing the 2019 season. The twisted irony is that on the field, it is his vision and patience that has led to his great success, while gaining the attention of NFL scouts. Remember the name, as he owns NFL-caliber game and will be one of the more feel-good stories of the 2021 NFL Draft class.


Ty Fryfogle, WR, Indiana
Hard work pays off — that has been the mantra for Indiana senior wide receiver Ty Fryfogle, who has reaped the rewards of his dedication and hard work with a ravishing start to the 2020 campaign. He has emerged as the Hoosiers top playmaker, a fact demonstrated this past Saturday when he hauled in 11 catches for 200 yards and a pair of touchdowns that helped the Hoosiers complete a clean sweep of Michigan State and Michigan (142 receiving yards) in back-to-back weeks. Fryfogle has now scored in each of his past three contests, while already surpassing his touchdown total of a year ago (three). His prototype size, along with physicality and toughness, are rare attributes at the wide out position, which is sure to garner plenty of buzz during the draft season. A native of Mississippi, Fryfogle has positioned himself to possibly hear his name called on Day Three of the draft.


Zane Zandier, LB, Virginia
Drum up a clutch performance for Virginia’s Zane Zandier. The thumping linebacker registered eight tackles, one sack and a late-game forced fumble that sealed the deal in a victory against Louisville. The hard-hitting senior drew our attention last year while tallying a team-high 108 tackles despite playing with a broken hand. This season, he is back to laying the lumber and making plays behind the line of scrimmage by the bushel. Zandier brings plenty of experience, manning one of the 3-4 inside backer spots for his entire college career. While he does own some physical limitations, his toughness, leadership and ball skills could land “ZZ Stop” a home as a two-down backer at the next level.


DeAngelo Malone, DL, Western Kentucky
It was an encore performance for C-USA Defensive Player of The Week DeAngelo Malone, who is starting to heat up, recording a pair of sacks for the second consecutive week (he also has 16 tackles during the two-game span). The Hilltoppers senior edge rusher is now the program’s FBS-era leader in sacks, moving one ahead of Quanterus Smith’s mark of 24. Malone possesses a lightning quick first step, with the body frame to bulk up and remain at his current defensive end position at the next level or he could possibly convert to outside linebacker due to his athleticism. There is some legitimate top-100 buzz surrounding this prospect, and with a top-level performance in Indianapolis, there is even the possibility that we could see Malone ultimately land inside the top-50 range.

*Be sure to catch NFLPA Collegiate Bowl director of college recruiting Dane Vandernat every Thursday at 9:00 a.m. ET on ‘The State of Football’ show live on @NFLDraftBible!

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Statement On 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Game

For Immediate Release
Nov. 13, 2020

After careful consideration, the NFLPA has decided to cancel the 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.  In making this decision, we consulted with our personnel, medical, game operations and internal staff while doing our due diligence to review all potential options within the parameters of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, we determined that we would be unable to provide our participants with the world-class, week-long experience that is the hallmark of our game.

This marks our 10th year providing college seniors with the opportunity to display their talents in front of NFL personnel while learning about the NFLPA’s many available resources within the business of football.  Although we will not hold our typical showcase, we are confident that our alternative approach – an innovative, virtual experience intended to educate, equip and empower participants — will still allow us to strategically engage with this year’s class of prospects as well as our stakeholders, broadcast partners and NFL club personnel while building toward a bigger, better experience for 2022 and beyond.

Formal invitations will be sent out in the coming weeks for select, eligible players to participate in the 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl experience. We look forward to having them become a part of our game’s 10-year history.

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 9: Ian Book, Jarret Doege, Gerrid Doaks, Trevon Grimes, Evan Fields

Arizona State’s Evan Fields (AP Photo/Darryl Webb)

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects that we are keeping an eye on. Also, be sure to monitor the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board for new player additions throughout the season!    

Ian Book, QB, Notre Dame
Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book orchestrated one of the best performances in school history, guiding the Fighting Irish to a monumental double-overtime win over No. 1 ranked Clemson. The senior team captain extended plays, converted in the clutch and led his team from behind, completing 22-of-39 passes for 310 yards and one touchdown. A noted team leader, Notre Dame coaches rave about Book’s football IQ, leadership and intangibles. This was clearly the signature moment of his five-year career in South Bend and should help sway NFL scouts that he can be a viable backup option in the pros.

Jarret Doege, QB, West Virginia
A steady, consistent signal-caller beginning to gain some momentum is West Virginia senior Jarret Doege, who tallied his fourth consecutive 300-yard game, in a narrow loss to Texas. The transfer from Bowling Green has proven to be a smart decision-maker who shows excellent pocket poise and moxie. In 30 career games, Doege now has nearly 7,000 passing yards, completing 64% of his passes with a 57:21 touchdown-to-interception ratio. For NFL teams in search of a traditional pocket-passer type, the Lubbock, Texas native could be viewed as a developmental quarterback at the next level.


Gerrid Doaks, RB, Cincinnati
Cincinnati Bearcats senior running back Gerrid Doaks totaled more than 200 all-purpose yards, including a career-high 184 rushing yards. The bruising runner who prides himself on playing a hard-nosed, physical brand of football, Doaks can pound it between the tackles and has also shown to be a capable pass-catcher out of the backfield. The Indianapolis native had endured various ailments in each of the past three seasons, but with a strong senior campaign, Doaks continues to garner the attention of NFL scouts.


Trevon Grimes, WR, Florida
The athletic traits of Trevon Grimes were on full display during the Gators romp over Georgia, as the senior hauled in a pair of key catches, including a highlight-reel touchdown grab. A former five-star recruit who hails from high school powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas, Grimes transferred from Ohio State after the 2017 season and found himself stuck behind one of the most talented wide receivers corps in college football over the past few seasons. His size and athleticism offers an appealing upside at the next level, while he has also has shown vast improvement in his route running this season. After missing some time earlier this year while contemplating an opt-out, Grimes now has a chance to solidify his draft stock and possibly hear his name called on Day Three of the 2021 NFL Draft.


Evan Fields, DB, Arizona State
Arizona State had its hands full against USC on Saturday, but Sun Devils senior safety Evan Fields demonstrated why he is such a valuable cog, accumulating 17 tackles, forcing two fumbles and collecting a big pass breakup during the season-opener loss. With the Sun Devils switching from a 3-3-5 to a base 4-3 scheme, Fields adapted well in his new role, showing the ability to play in space and cover lots of ground. He has drawn praise from head coach Herm Edwards for his ability to play in the box and his effectiveness as a blitzer. The Oklahoma City native was second on the team with 84 tackles a year ago and is an ascending draft prospect, who should be viewed as a versatile sub package player at the next level.

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 8: Nick Starkel, Otis Anderson, Ronnie Rivers, DeVonta Smith, Charles Snowden

Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects that we are keeping an eye on. Also, be sure to monitor the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board for new player additions throughout the season!   

Nick Starkel, QB, San Jose State
Last week, we discussed the big-play prowess of San Jose State wide receiver Bailey Gaither, who had another stellar week with 10 catches for 208 yards and a touchdown. But what about the quarterback delivering the ball? That would be none other than one-time heralded recruit Nick Starkel. After earning the starting job as a redshirt freshman for Texas A&M, Starkel has since bounced around, transferring to Arkansas before landing at San Jose State on a journey that has taken him through five different head coaches. Being on the move is nothing new for the California native; growing up as an Army brat, he lived in eight different cities across seven different states. Only time will tell if his early season resurrection is enough to land him on the NFL radar, but his 467 passing yard, five touchdown (zero interceptions) performance against New Mexico was a nice reminder to scouts.

Otis Anderson, RB, Central Florida
Few players have done more with less than UCF senior running back Otis Anderson (no relation to the NFL legend). Somewhat hidden in a heavy passing attack and buried in a committee-type backfield during the past several seasons, Anderson has certainly learned to make his opportunities count. He reminded us of that again this past weekend during the Knights’ convincing victory over Houston, exploding for 170 rushing yards and one touchdown on just 16 carries. A look at his career as a whole, Anderson is the definition of effective with his career averages, accumulating 1,975 rushing yards (6.2 average), along with 1,002 receiving yards (11.5) and 469 (12.7) punt return yards. His ability to make defenders miss in open space and versatility to line up at running back, slot receiver or return man, makes him a nice luxury piece for any contending NFL team looking to add an X-factor to the mix.

Ronnie Rivers, RB, Fresno State
Fresno State senior running back Ronnie Rivers was raring last week, demonstrating an impressive run/catch, dual-threat skill-set, totaling 164 yards (95 rushing; 69 receiving) and three touchdowns to help rally the Bulldogs with a come-from-behind victory over Colorado State. A compact back who runs tough, Rivers is difficult to bring down and accumulates plenty of yards after contact, something he did plenty of in this contest. A big element to his elusiveness is his ability to hide behind his offensive linemen due to his short stature and then quickly burst through the hole, as he rips off chunks of yardage. His father, Ron, who played seven years in the NFL with the Lions and Falcons, is also the school’s second all-time leading rusher (3,473). Ronnie, meanwhile, has now scored in 10 straight games dating back to last season. He carries value as a change of pace runner in a committee situation at the next level.

DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
It was just another day in the schoolyard for Alabama senior wide out DeVonta Smith, who single-handedly took Mississippi State to the woodshed with his four-touchdown performance. Smith rung up 203 receiving yards overall on 11 receptions and is quickly climbing up the school’s record books. He now ranks in the top five for all-time catches (174), receiving yards (2,868) and touchdowns (31). A two-time team captain, Smith possesses explosive burst off the line of scrimmage, to go along with impressive deep speed and ability to rack up chunks of yardage after the catch. At this stage, some NFL evaluators have Smith rated above both Jerry Jeudy (Broncos) and Henry Ruggs (Raiders), as he appears destined to be a top-10 overall selection.

Charles Snowden, LB, Virginia
Virginia senior outside linebacker Charles Snowden chose a good game to have a career day, registering 10 tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble during the Cavaliers’ upset victory over North Carolina. Blessed with great size and athleticism, the Maryland native covers a tremendous amount of ground in pursuit and has also proved capable in pass coverage, in addition to maintaining his special teams roles (FG/XP/PB). The coaching staff decided to move Snowden to the boundary side a few weeks ago in hopes of triggering some of his pass-rush potential. He has since responded by recording sacks in consecutive weeks and has now matched his career high (five) from a year ago. If he continues to produce at this level, Snowden stands a very good chance to hear his name called inside the top 100 of the NFL Draft.

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Watch Week 7: Zach Smith, Marlon Williams, Bailey Gaither, Kwity Paye, Tyshon Fogg

Tulsa quarterback Zach Smith (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

Each week, the scouting department at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will examine some of the top performances in college football by potential pro prospects that we are keeping an eye on. Also, be sure to monitor the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board for new player additions throughout the season!   

Zach Smith, QB, Tulsa
Tulsa senior quarterback Zach Smith appears primed to heat up. After missing two weeks due to quarantine, Smith was a bit rusty in his first game back. However, he got back on track this past week against USF, completing 16-of-24 passes for 233 yards and one touchdown, while steering the Golden Hurricanes to their second consecutive victory. The transfer from Baylor has a live arm and was once a heralded recruit coming out of high school, before enduring some downtrodden times during his time with the Bears. Now, he has placed himself on the NFL radar, as he continues to make the most of his new opportunity.

Marlon Williams, WR, UCF
UCF senior wide receiver Marlon Williams continues to post video game-type numbers in the Knights’ high-octane offense. His latest performance came during the trouncing of Tulane this past weekend, as he registered 174 receiving yards and three touchdowns on nine receptions. He has now set career-highs across the board through his first five games with 54 catches, 753 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Williams who primarily lined up in the slot last season, has since moved outside for UCF, demonstrating the type of versatility that should appeal to NFL teams. He was viewed more as a free-agent type prospect coming into the season, but the Mobile, Alabama native is starting to make a strong case for having his name called at some point on Day Three based on his impressive strength, hands and yards after catch ability.

Bailey Gaither, WR, San Jose State
One player to store in the memory bank is redshirt senior wide out Bailey Gaither, who is still relatively unknown in the draft community despite a breakout season for San Jose State last year. The crisp route runner is off to a hot start again, making eight grabs for 110 yards, including a big-play, 52-yard reception. Bailey is held in high regards among the coaching staff for his work ethic and character. He is known to have strong, dependable hands and owns deceptive speed, as he has been timed in the mid 4.4-range. He also plays all four special teams units, in addition to returning both kicks and punts. While Bailey may not hear his name called during the NFL Draft, this is one player who will be tough to cut once you get him to training camp.

Kwity Paye, DL, Michigan
Michigan kicked off its season with an impressive victory over Minnesota behind the defensive effort of pass-rusher Kwity Paye, who displayed a much more diverse pass-rush repertoire on his way to collecting a pair of clutch sacks. His newfound dedication to the film room has had a renowned impact on the maturation of his overall game, according to his coaches. The Providence native, who has packed on nearly 40 pounds since arriving to Ann Arbor, also played running back and was a state champion long jumper in high school with a personal best mark of 21 feet, 5 inches—a testament to his incredible athleticism. With his combination of speed, quickness, balance and flexibility, Paye is a potential first-round pick.

Tyshon Fogg, DB, Rutgers
One of New Jersey’s best-kept secrets resides in Piscataway, as Rutgers senior team leader Tyshon Fogg starred playing in middle of the Scarlet Knights’ suffocating defense during their win over Michigan State. Fogg demonstrated his sideline-to-sideline prowess, swarming to the ball, while collecting 12 tackles, including a pair of backfield stops. The two-time team captain can often be seen calling out pre-snap reads and making sure teammates are in correct alignment. This is a fundamentally sound player who shows excellent tackling technique and possesses all the intangibles to become a solid contributor at the next level.

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NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board Vol. 2: Pac-12 Defense

Colorado Buffaloes linebacker Nate Landman (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

With the return of several conferences to the 2020 college football scene, we are rolling out an updated NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board featuring players from those schools. Next up, Pac-12 defense:

Hamilcar Rashed, Oregon State, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker
The offensive backfield has felt like home the past couple years for Hamilcar Rashed, having recorded an astounding 34 tackles for loss over the span, including 22.5 last season to lead the country. Standing at 6-3 and 236 pounds, Rashed physically and athletically looks like an outside linebacker, but he makes his money as a pass rusher in sub packages and versus obvious pass downs. With an arsenal of pass-rushing moves and the first-step quickness to threaten tackles off the edge, it’s no wonder the Phoenix native has translated his elite athletic traits into sack production (14 sacks in 2019). What’s more impressive, however, is that Rashed can also play with power and displays excellent physicality defending the run, chasing ball carriers and as a tackler. 

Nate Landman, Colorado, Linebacker
Playing middle linebacker in the NFL these days requires a versatile skill set and an active mind that can play the chess game with the opposing quarterback while also ensuring his troops are aligned correctly each snap. Nate Landman displays this ability while being a three-down linebacker capable of defending both the run and the pass. With solid speed and range that’s aided by his instincts, the Danville, California product shows very good sideline-to-sideline ability and possesses the highly coveted short-area quickness needed to escape would-be blockers. The son of a former rugby player who was born in Zimbabwe, Landman comes from an athletic family and also displays the intangibles to be a complete player, evidenced by being named team captain in 2019 and being a rare consecutive winner of CU’s Dave Jones Award, given annually to its most outstanding defensive player.

Elijah Molden, Washington, Cornerback
Playing the nickel back is a very unique skill set. A good nickel is smart – capable of understanding both run and pass concepts while anticipating multiple route trees – and also must be quick enough to cover shiftier slot receivers while being physical since he has a gap responsibility in the run game — he replaces a linebacker, after all. Elijah Molden is all of these things, and he does them at a very high level. During the 2019 season – his first as a full-time starter – the West Linn, Oregon product burst onto the scene against BYU by breaking up a remarkable four passes in the game and followed it up the next week versus USC by recording his first career interception. For the remainder of the season, Molden continued to display his athleticism, willingness to get physical, and cover instincts, finishing with 17 pass breakups and four interceptions – marks that few players accumulate in a full college career.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: PAC-12 DEFENSE

First Name Last Name Position School Height Weight
Tevin Paul DE California 6-4 270
Mustafa Johnson DE Colorado 6-3 290
Osa Odighizuwa DE UCLA 6-2 279
Ryan Bowman DE Washington 6-1 277
Trevon Mason DT Arizona 6-5 310
Austin Faoliu DT Oregon 6-3 293
Jordon Scott DT Oregon 6-1 322
Brandon Pili DT Southern California 6-4 325
Josiah Bronson DT Washington 6-3 291
Kuony Deng OLB California 6-6 225
Cameron Goode OLB California 6-3 235
Nate Landman LB Colorado 6-3 230
Hamilcar Rashed Jr. DE/OLB Oregon State 6-3 236
Curtis Robinson LB Stanford 6-2 232
Jahad Woods OLB Washington State 6-1 225
Lorenzo Burns CB Arizona 5-10 175
Jack Jones CB Arizona State 6-1 170
Chase Lucas CB Arizona State 6-1 175
Camryn Bynum CB California 6-1 190
Elijah Hicks CB California 6-1 195
Thomas Graham Jr. CB Oregon 5-11 197
Deommodore Lenoir CB Oregon 5-11 202
Isaiah Dunn CB Oregon State 6-1 183
Elijah Molden CB Washington 5-10 190
Keith Taylor CB Washington 6-3 198
Brady Breeze DS Oregon 6-1 196
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